Victory in court! UEFA reduce Guendouzi's Champions League ban
Good news for Fenerbahce: UEFA have officially reduced Matteo Guendouzi's suspension following the chaos in Lyon.
Details: Initially banned for four matches, two of them suspended, after the incidents in the playoff against Olympique Lyonnais, the French midfielder has seen his punishment cut to three matches, two of them suspended. Having already missed the clash with Roma on September 10, Guendouzi will now be available for the league phase game against Aston Villa on October 14.
The original sanction, a four match ban and a 50,000 euro fine, was one of the harshest UEFA punishments of the season, handed down after the ugly scenes that marred the second leg in Lyon, where teammate Mason Greenwood was also sanctioned. Fenerbahce appealed, and the reduction means Guendouzi will only have to sit out one more European night before returning. For a club with genuine ambitions in the Champions League league phase, getting their fiery midfielder back for the visit of Aston Villa is a significant boost.
It's worth noting that Guendouzi remains on probation: the two suspended matches hang over him for a year, so one more flashpoint could bring the full punishment crashing back. Knowing his temperament, Fenerbahce fans will be watching October 14 with excitement and just a little fear.
Reminder: Will Ronaldo play against Wales? Jorge Jesus gives his answer
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
